Sherlock Holmes and Baker Street Irregulars (2007)

Too tame and childish

I never could see Jonathan Pryce as Holmes myself but he was the only good thing about this otherwise sterile family drama that seems like it was made for CITV or CBEEBIES. There's absolutely no bloody atmosphere to it.

Holmes' trusty Baker Street kids lose their leader when he apparently drowns in the Thames and the victim's sister begins to turn against Holmes claiming that he doesn't really care for them. But he still needs them to carry on working for him since he's in the middle of a difficult case.

It's not the best of plots and the acting from the majority of the cast would make the 'actors' in Hollyoaks cringe. Watson barely has anything to do, the stupid slow motion and editing techniques do not fit the context and the music is completely anachronistic, if terribly dull. The production design was pretty though, it has to be said.

For Sherlock Holmes fans and very young kids only. June 11, 2008

Sherlock Holmes and the Tween Kids

While this Sherlock story will probably appeal to families with older kids, the hardcore Sherlock fan will be appalled. As mentioned in other reviews, the villainess shares the name of a beloved character from the Sherlock stories, but none of her marvelous traits. Furthermore, Jonathan Pryce, while a fine actor, seems very out of character for Sherlock, seeming much too like a sweet older gentleman than the proud, somewhat aloof Holmes.

The action focuses on the Irregulars and the story seems to try to pander to a young audience with this crew. Unfortunately, for the first half of the story, I found it difficult to have much interest in them. By the second half, as I accepted the movie for what it was, I did find some humor and charm in it.

As mentioned by others, there are some really good lines. There's also some really intriguing camera work that reminded me of some of the more experimental moments in the Granada series (like in the Devil's Foot, for instance) and a good soundtrack.

When I was able to pretend it wasn't supposed to be a Sherlock Holmes story, I enjoyed it as much as I'd enjoy most movies geared towards a tween audience. But I don't intend to ever watch it again. February 22, 2008

Another Good Holmes "Who dun it"...

I really am sick and tired of the "Sherlock Holmes Purists" who debunk anything that doesn't fit into their narrow view of what Holmes should be. If you don't like it, then don't watch it.
This is a two part TV movie that is released on DVD. I found the story line entertaining and fun to watch. The kids (while not "filthy street urchins") are entertaining in themselves and their loyalty to one another is a pleasure to see. This is a good "family" movie that is entertaining and fun to watch. There is no gratuitous violence, language, or nudity. The story line is plausible and well written. Simply an entertaining movie for the entire family. No more, no less. November 3, 2007

Not all bad ... not all good

This was a tough call since I actually enjoyed this film even though, after giving it some thought, I really shouldn't have!

I agree with other reviewers who question the wisdom of making Irene Adler the arch villain here. Those who have read the original "Scandal in Bohemia" which introduces Sherlock's one lost love, will take umbrage with her depiction as a cold blooded killer. That is totally out of character.

Also, in an attempt to appeal to younger viewers, there were several obvious (and somewhat lame) anachronisms such as a reference to a "search engine" (I'm surprised they didn't use the word Google), and the kids letting loose with "awesome" and "Duh". The use of roller skates, however, was actually fairly accurate, time-wise (I had to research it to see if it, too, was an anachronism but it wasn't!)

Finally, the focus was on the "Irregulars" instead of Holmes and Watson which, for me, wasn't as interesting.

Yet, all in all, it was STILL enjoyable! The sets were extremely well done and the acting was above average. And it was, after all, a Sherlock Holmes movie! The kids were likeable and the villains were vile ... definitely worth a look. October 31, 2007

Stinks

Terrible plot that deviates incredibly from the Canon. Nonsensical. Irene Adler is "the woman", not a burglar. Definitely not a Napoleon (Josephine) of crime.

As for the Irregulars, not a Wiggins in sight. Cleanest bunch of late Victorian/early Edwardian street urchins ever seen. Nice that diversity is exhibited (at least in the presence of a Chinese Irregular called Tea Leaf, who has a backstory that is about 100 years prescient for political correctness -- too bad they have to call the character Tea Leaf -- all the Anglos have real names).

If you have $20 and two hours to kill with low expectations, this is for you. September 21, 2007

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